Thursday, September 30, 2010

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

1:06 – 1:30

Has the explosion of social networks made the invasion of privacy acceptable?

“Roommate asked for the room till midnight. I went into molly’s room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay.” One hundred and forty characters and a live stream later, 18-year-old Tyler Clementi jumped to his death off the WashingtonBridge into the Hudson River. Three days earlier, his Rutgers roommate Dharun Ravi had streamed from a hidden camera live video of Clementi making out with another boy in his dorm room. The September 22 death is the latest apparent suicide by a young American to follow the online posting of intrusive material. In response, RutgersUniversity is kicking off a two-year effort to teach the importance of civility, focusing on the abuse of new technology. But does Clementi’s death argue for tougher laws against malicious acts online? Does new technology require new ethics? And is there any realistic expectation of privacy in the age of Facebook?

Guest:

UNCONFIRMED:

Karen Sternheimer, professor of sociology at USC specializing in media, youth, and culture

CALL HER:

1:30 - 1:58:30

The power of 3 extra years: AB12 to the rescue of California’s foster youth

Navigating the foster care system is a tough business for the kids who must live it, but life outside of the system can be even tougher. Once foster youth turn 18 they are essentially on their own: penniless and aimless, foster kids at 18 are more likely to be homelessness, incarcerated, or addicted to drugs than the average teen. Yesterday California implemented a common sense solution to this problem when Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB12, the California Fostering Connections Success Act, which allows foster youth to stay in the system until they are 21. Under AB12 foster youth who continue their education or job training and who work at least a part-time job would be eligible for extended benefits until they are 21. The costs for these extra years of benefits will be cost negligible for California, as AB12 is designed to bring the state into compliance with a 2008 act of Congress that made federal matching funds available for these kinds of programs. Can three extra years help the thousands of foster kids manage the difficult transition into independent adulthood?

Guests:

Trish Ploehn (PLONE), director of the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS)

CYC (California Youth Connection) is a co-sponsor of AB12. They are a state wide advocacy organization made up of current and former youth who push for foster care reform.

Monique Molina, former foster care youth & member of the Placer Chapter of California Youth Connection

CALL HER:

Trayvon Walker, foster reform advocate and former foster youth

CALL HIM @

2:06 – 2:58:30

Comedy Congress from the Crawford Family Forum!

The only true medicine for the pain of politics is laughter—after all, if we weren’t laughing at the (mostly) unintentional humor emanating from WashingtonD.C. and state capitols, chances are we’d be crying. Only five weeks until the much anticipated midterm elections, and you can tell because the collective hysteria and volume from politicians across the country is on the rise. As Tea Partiers clash with labor unions—a battle between ideologies AND waistlines—and our President flails away in an attempt to get anybody to believe in hope again, it might be hard to make sense of all the political nonsense. Tomorrow we’ll probably cry about our lost jobs, but today join us in laughing at the madness of it all—the truth hurts far less when it’s told by comedians.

Guests:

Alonzo Bodden, winner of season 3 of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and host of the Speed Channel show “101 Cars You Must Drive,” regular performer and field correspondent for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and guest star on several TV shows and movies.

Ben Gleib, regular performer at the Hollywood Improv; you’ve seen him on the CBS “The Late Late Show,” and on NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly” & Showtime’s “The Green Room”; named one of "Six Comedians who Could be Comedy’s Next Big Thing" in Esquire & a regular panelist on the E! Network’s “Chelsea Lately”

Marc Maron, a regularly touring stand up comic who has had his own specials on HBO and Comedy Central, a frequent guest on “Late Show with David Letterman,” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brian” host of the podcast “WTF with Marc Maron” and a veteran host of political talk shows

(Los Angeles, CA) – Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation will unveil the completion of the Solar Roofing Project at Los Angeles County’s First “Green” Park, Eugene A. Obregon Park, on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. The park is located at 4021 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90063. Phase I of the Obregon “Green” park project includes the completion and installation of a solar photovoltaic array on the roofs of the swimming pool building that houses the men and women’s locker rooms and the Obregon Gymnasium.

Solar panel generates electricity from sun light energy and this park project will lower carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere by 180,000 lbs per year and will save the facility $17,000.00 a year in energy bills.

Future sustainable features at Obregon Park will be discussed at the event. The public will learn about special energy rebate programs, talk to experts on energy and water savings and participate in a booth tour of the Green Park’s conservation and sustainable elements.

Hands on activities and educational opportunities will be provided by PermaCity Solar; Los Angeles Conservation Corps; Los Angeles County Department of Public Works; City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; the Metropolitan Water District; Los Angeles County Office of Sustainability, Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Public Health.

Eugene A. Obregon Park is located in East Los Angeles and offers a friendly environment for families of the community to participate in many recreational activities. The park was named in honor of a Marine Korean War Hero and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Eugene A. Obregon Park officially opened on May 26, 1966.

Detectives and Family Members Plead for Public Assistance in Solving the Brutal

Murder of the 19-year-old Son of a United States Army National Guard Member

Sheriff Lee Baca, Homicide Bureau Detectives, and family members gathered at the Sherman Block Sheriff’s Headquarters Building today to plead for the public’s assistance in obtaining any information regarding the senseless murder of a 19-year-old high school student.

Michael Owens was brutally gunned down on January 26, 2009 as he walked home from school at 2:15 in the afternoon between 132nd Street and Riddle Avenue in the city of Compton. He normally took the bus to go home but had spent his money on lunch that fateful day. “We believe that the shooting was gang motivated in retaliation of the shooting of two male blacks, two days earlier,” said Sheriff Baca. Michael was not a gang member and was an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of two rival Compton gangs.

Detectives learned that this act of violence was committed by two African American males who were local gang members. They fled the location in a dark green Buick Regal driven by a female African American. There was a second vehicle which witnesses described as a gray or silver Chevrolet Monte Carlo which was behind the Buick Regal. Michael was listening to music with head phones and he did not hear the car pull up next to him. “He didn’t hear or see them get out of the car or draw a handgun. The fact of the matter is that they shot him numerous times in the back,” said Sheriff’s Homicide Lieutenant Don Slawson.

At the time of this tragedy, Michael’s father, Mr. Anthony Owens, had served his country in the Unites States Army National Guard and completed four tours of duty in Iraq. Hoping to leave the violence behind him and regain lost time with this family, Mr. Owens was unfortunately met with home-grown violence. Being a proud father, Mr. Owens described his son’s dreams and ambition to one day follow in his steps and become a United States Marine, which then changed into becoming a Sheriff’s Deputy.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Or, if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you can call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting the letters TIPLA, plus your tip, to CRIMES (274637), or using the web site http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Approval sought to spend $1.1 million, the majority of which would be federal grant funds, to upgrade power systems at Mount Lukens, San Pedro Hill and the County’s fire command and control center on Eastern Avenue in preparation of voice and data radio system that will allow emergency responders throughout region to communicate with each other. (Items 15, 16)

Acceptance of $190,000 federal grant would allow County to identify community needs and most feasible recreational features/improvements for Charles White Park in Altadena. (Item 27)

Board asked to approve San Gabriel Trench Project, which would lower the Union Pacific Railroad tracks within a below-grade trench and eliminate four at-grade crossings, and authorize the Public Works Department to do engineering review of the project, with reimbursement of approximately $500,000 by the Alameda Corridor-East Construction Authority. (Item 31)

Report scheduled on plan to hire staff to improve services for youth in probation camps, including timetable, tracking system, and how to avoid problems identified in the use of $79 million for the Department of Justice settlement on juvenile halls and program enhancements. (Item 53)

County officials advise residents to stay out of County flood control channels, riversand debris basins during storm season.

While the County’s vast network of bike trails remain open to the public on dry days, residents shouldnever enter flood control channels when it rains. At peak flow, the LA River moves close to 183,000 cubic feet of storm water per second out to the ocean—the equivalent of40 million garden hosesgoing full blast.

Selected sound bites of the following speakers:

Don Knabe, Supervisor, County of LA (4th District)

Gail Farber, Director,County of LA Department ofPublic Works and Chief Engineer of the LA County Flood Control District

P. Michael Freeman, Chief, County of LA Fire Department

Mike DuRee, Assistant Chief of Operations, City of Long Beach Fire Department

B-Roll:

First-responders from County of LA and Cityof Long Beach fire departments display the specially designed water rescue vehicles and devices, ground equipment, harnesses, personal flotation devices and ropes used in swiftwater rescue operations. Also included, footage of the Dominguez Gap Wetlands and the LA River Flood Control Channel.

HD Sound bites and B-Roll available for download at: www.vimeo.com/15432860

LA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL TO PARTICIPATE IN MASSIVE ADOPTION FAIR

Newhall, CA—The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be participating in the annual Bow Wows and Meows pet adoption fair. Two hundred animals from all six County shelters will be awaiting forever homes on Sunday, October 10, 2010, between 11 AM and 4 PM at William S. Hart Park, located at 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA.

Adoptions will be discounted and animals will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, and ready to go home. Bow Wows and Meows founder, Yvonne Allbee, has set an ambitious goal, aiming at a total of 200 adoptions for the day, bringing the total number of adoptions for the past decade to over 1,000.

Besides adoptions, members of the public will be able to license their pets at the event. Unfortunately, DACC regrets to inform pet owners that this year, penalties will not be waived for expired licenses, even though previous outlets may have indicated otherwise.

Securing a license is an important part of identification and can tremendously help if your pet becomes lost. Licensing fees range depending on where you live, but if you are planning to license your pet at this event, be sure to bring proof of rabies vaccination and proof of spay or neuter.

Bow Wows and Meows promises fun for the whole family, including family pets (pets must be leashed). Admission to the fair is free, but you can enter your pet in the Fun Dog Show, which costs $10 per category.

DACC encourages all pet owners and pet lovers alike to visit Bow Wows and Meows at William S. Hart Park on Sunday, October 10.

Natural History Museum’s “Lost Lizards of L.A.” Project

Makes First Discovery

Non-Native Mediterranean House Gecko is First Documented in County,

Found by Amateur Father and Son Herpetology Collection Team

Los Angeles -- The Natural History Museum’s Lost Lizard of Los Angeles (LLOLA) survey, one the Museum’s several community science projects, has made its first notable discovery: a population of non-native Mediterranean House Geckos (Hemidactylus turcicus) in the Chatsworth region. It and other LLOLA findings will be on view during the second annual Reptile and Amphibian Appreciation Day on Sunday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When the LLOLA survey launched this spring, amateur herpetologists Will Bernstein and son Reese attended the Museum’s lizard hunt that was held in both Exposition and Hancock parks (the parks surrounding the NHM and the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, respectively). Back home in the Valley, the Bernsteins continued to look for lizards and submit their results to the LLOLA survey online.

Will and Reese Bernstein’s Mediterranean House Gecko.

One of their submissions was initially believed to be a Western Banded Gecko. But help from Dr. Robert Espinoza, a

herpetologist from Cal State Northridge and consultant for LLOLA, recently determined the Bernsteins’ find was actually aMediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), not a Western Banded Gecko (Coleonyx variegatus).

Although the two species are superficially similar in color pattern, the local banded geckos (1) lack toe pads, (2) have eyelids, and (3) don't have bumpy warts (tubercles). As their name implies, Mediterranean House Geckos are not native to the area. But they have been widely introduced throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii), particularly in the southeast.

Espinoza checked through local records. There are 23 specimens/records of Hemidactylus turcicus in California held in U.S. museum collections: 22 from the Natural History Museum, and one from the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, UC Berkeley. All are from Riverside or San Diego County. The Bernsteins’ finding was definitely a new County record for L.A.

Although introduced species can harm native flora and fauna, Espinoza says the Mediterranean House Gecko may not be such a threat.“There’s no chance of affecting local lizards,” Espinoza said. “No other lizards, or vertebrates for that matter, occupy the porch-light niche in Southern California. It should be a fairly innocuous introduction.”

With an increasing interest in urban biodiversity, the Museum has started looking at all types of wildlife in our highly modified industrial, suburban, and urban habitats. One thing that quickly struck its scientists was that in the Museum’s own backyard, Exposition Park, nobody had documented any lizards since 1988. This seemed strange, as lizards are common in other parts of Los Angeles, and it led to the question, "Why are there no lizards here?"

LLOLA’s aim is twofold: to confirm the presence or absence of lizards in Exposition Park (after all, nobody has looked extensively for them!) and find out where lizards occur in the Los Angeles Basin, and start to discover how they can survive there.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located at 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tickets are $9 for adults, $6.50 for children. There is parking in the lot just west of the Museum (the lot is not owned or regulated by the Museum; its prices vary from $8-10). For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.nhm.org or call (213) 763-DINO.

LA. COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL ADVISES ANTELOPE VALLEY RESIDENTS ABOUT COYOTES

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) would like to advise residents of increased coyote sightings in the Antelope Valley. DACC would like to advise residents not to panic, but to be aware and take precautions.

Coyotes are attracted to urban/suburban areas by easy accessibility to food, water, and shelter. DACC recommends eliminating the availability to these elements as much as possible. Garbage can lids should be closed at all times. Pets should be fed indoors (water included) and all traces of food and water should be removed from outside areas. All windfall fruits and vegetables should be picked up daily. Cats and small dogs should not be left outdoors. Keep animals inside as much as possible. Block off crawl spaces (such as underneath decks and outbuildings) and be sure to get rid of debris and brush piles.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CALL-IN @ 866-893-5722, 866-893-KPCC; OR JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE ON THE PATT MORRISON BLOG AT KPCC-DOT-ORG

1:00 – 1:40

OPEN

1:40 – 2:00

Ladies and Gentlemen… the Doha Debates!

The Middle East remains a mystery to many in the Western World, and what’s more, a heavily stereotyped and pre-judged region due to the militaristic actions of a small minority and a general disconnect between two vastly different cultures. Some may think that there is no room for political discussion among the region’s people. Chaired by BBC’s Tim Sebastian, the Doha Debates, broadcast eight times a year, are aimed at giving young Arabs the opportunity to share their views and concerns with one another and the world. One topic, debaters, and audience questions… the Doha Debates provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas and arguments surrounding major political topics of the region.

Guest:

Tim Sebastian, founder and chairman of the Doha Debates; former BBC foreign correspondent and first host of the BBC’s flagship interview program, <i>Hardtalk</i>

ON TAPE –

2:00 – 2:20

Another habitable planet - does Earth have a not-so distant rival?

Human fascination with space, the final frontier if you will, has led us to ask many questions and subsequently discoveries. Can man walk on the moon? How big is the Universe? And perhaps the most mystery shrouded question of them all, can there be life outside of Earth? Astronomers and physicists constantly scan other planets and solar systems for signs of life, or at least habitable planets. Meet the most recently discovered habitable planet, Gliese 581g, which orbits a nearby red dwarf star in the constellation Libra along with five other planets. A team of astronomers from UC Santa Cruz and the Carnegie Institution of Washington have collected data for 11 years and estimate the planet to be Earth-sized but roughly three times more massive. This is the third “habitable” planet detected in the same solar system, but as Goldilocks discovered of the bear’s porridge, one was too hot, one two cold – this one, would be just right. If the discovery is proven, this would be the first strong case for a potentially habitable planet. But does habitable mean pleasant? Patt shoots for the stars and talks to one of the lead astronomers.

Guest:

TBD

2:20 – 2:40

OPEN

2:40 – 3:00

Alt Car Expo

This Friday the 5th annual Alternative Energy & Transportation Exposition, also known as the Alt-Car Expo, kicks into high (energy efficient) gear at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The free event will cover all things alternative when it comes to transportation, including a panel that will try to answer the question – “what will it take to get you on the bus?” We discuss everything from the “ride and drive” that will expose attendees to the latest in the evolution of the fuel efficient car to something that Nissan is calling the all electric LEAF… what in the world is an electric leaf?

Guests:

Peter Ward, Program Manager for the AB 118 Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to be administered by the California Energy Commission.

CALL HIM:

He was the Fuel Distribution Program Manager for the California Clean Fuels Infrastructure Program, and served as the statewide Clean Cities Program Coordinator for five years. Peter has had extensive experience in the establishment of clean, alternative fuel infrastructure and fuel distribution, including fuel methanol, fuel ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas and propane.

Rick Sikes, City of Santa Monica Fleet Superintendent

CALL HIM:

He keeps Santa Monica’s small army of vehicles running green. He and his associates educate the city about the benefits of alternative transportation strategies.

Santa Monica wants to be the nation’s first “Net Zero” city. Through energy efficiency, solar and other renewable energy, the city envisions generating clean energy that matches its total energy consumption. Over 80% of the city’s 519 vehicles are either alt-fuel or electric. A total of 265 city vehicles run on natural gas, including heavy trucks and street sweepers. 5 of the city’s fleet of Toyota Priuses were converted by Quantum to run on pure hydrogen. And over the next few years the city fleet will get cleaner. Hydrogen can be mixed with CNG to make many of the existing vehicles run cleaner.

What: Sheriff Baca and detectives will hold a press conference to discuss details about this case and ask for the public’s assistance in obtaining any information regarding the senseless murder of a 19-year-old high school senior. The victim was caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs and brutally gunned down. At the time of this tragic slaying, the victim’s father had served his county in the United States Armed Forces and completed four tours of duty in Iraq. Hoping to leave the violence behind him and regain lost time with his family, the victim’s father was unfortunately met with home-grown violence.

**** Family members will be present ***

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010, at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Sherman Block Sheriff’s Headquarters Building

4700 Ramona Boulevard

Monterey Park, California 91754

For further information contact Public Information Officer Nicole Nishida at (323) 810-1973 or Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau at (323) 267-4800.

LOS ANGELES —The Music Center of Los Angeles County has extended its deadline for applications in the Performing Arts categories for the 23rd annual Music Center Spotlight Awards.

Performing Arts applications must be received online or postmarked by no later than Friday, October 8, 2010. Visual Arts applications must be received online or postmarked by no later than Wednesday, December 1, 2010. The program is free and open to all students who attend high school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties at time of deadline.

The Music Center Spotlight Awards program is one of the nation’s most acclaimed performing and visual arts education programs for teens, offering training in the arts and awarding over $100,000 in scholarships annually to finalists, semi-finalists, and participants who receive honorable mentions.

The program has launched numerous professional careers, from Adam Lambert to two recent “top ten” dancers on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Fifteen Spotlight finalists are Presidential Scholars and many have joined or performed with professional companies including the Metropolitan Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Many alumni return to the program and participate as judges and master class instructors.

Frederic M. Roberts is founding chairman of the Music Center Spotlight Awards and Walter Grauman is creator/executive producer. Special thanks to Helen and Peter Bing for their generous support of the Music Center Spotlight Awards.

For more information about the Music Center Spotlight Awards program, visit musiccenter.org.